EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Efforts to extinguish two fires burning in the Gila National Forest continue on Friday, July 18, fire officials said.
Turkeyfeather Fire
Fire officials said the Turkeyfeather Fire, which is burning 22 miles south of Reserve, New Mexico, is now at 24,128 acres and 23 percent contained.
The fire started on June 30, and the cause was lightning, according to fire officials.
Fire officials said the fire received precipitation over the past few days, with the area around Willow Creek recording a half-inch of rain. As monsoonal moisture moves into the area, the fire will show minimal growth.
Firefighters added more structural protection measures to the Willow Creek subdivision.
Fire officials said the plan is to continue to mop up residual heat along Forest Road 28. Crews will also monitor fire growth on the eastern and southern portions of the Gila Wilderness.
“Please remain vigilant and travel cautiously in the fire area and around incident personnel,” read the news release by the Gila National Forest.
Local air quality ratings are moderate to good. You can learn more here.
Additionally, the public information phone number has changed. The new number is (575) 519-7645.
Goose Fire
The Goose Fire, burning 18 miles northwest of Silver City, increased to 1681 acres, still with no containment, according to fire officials.
Fire officials said the fire started on July 9, and the cause was lightning.
Fire activity increased on Thursday due to gusty outflow winds and limited precipitation. The fire spread out more rapidly through ponderosa pine fuel types and continued progressing east throughout the day, according to fire officials.
Fire officials said that around 2 p.m. on Thursday, the fire reached Johnson Canyon, prompting crews to disengage from the area due to safety concerns and intensified fire behavior. A Type 1 helicopter was temporarily assigned to the incident and provided aerial water support to assist ground resources.
On Friday, crews will focus on preparing alternate and contingency lines in case the fire continues to move southeast, and road improvement work is ongoing to enhance access to critical areas of the fire, according to fire officials.
Message from Albuquerque Zone Incident Commander Lino Baca: “Despite ongoing challenges with terrain, weather, and fire behavior, our strategy remains full suppression for this incident.”
Fire officials are reminding the community to remain vigilant and travel cautiously as moderate fire traffic remains active in the travel corridor of the Mimbres Valley.
Visitors to the Gila Wilderness should be aware that the fire is burning near Goose Lake Trail #238, Monument Ridge Trail #254, and Packsaddle Trail #732. You can see area closures here.
Smoke may be more visible due to the increased fire activity. For more information, visit here.
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